A brave trio of Cardigan RNLI Lifeboat Station members have been nominated for a prestigious award.

Derek Pusey, Leonard Walters and Clive Williams of Cardigan RNLI have been shortlisted for a Welsh Government St Davids Award for their roles in a dramatic night-time rescue in September 2013.

Helmsmen Pusey and Walters and Volunteer Crewman Williams risked their lives to save two men stranded on a ledge among steep rocks on the coast.

The men were cut off by the tide and in danger of being swept out to sea from the base of a cliff on the beach at Tresaith.

Cardigan RNLI launched two lifeboats to go to the aid of the men. Helmsman Leonard Walters steered the larger of the vessels as close to the cliffs as possible during rough seas and gusting winds. But unable to get close enough, Clive Williams volunteered to swim through the choppy waters in order to reach the pair. He reached the rocky shoreline where he was knocked of his feet several times by powerful waves before he managed to reach the stranded people.

Mr Williams handed them life jackets as they waited for the smaller of the two lifeboats, steered by Derek Pusey, to reach them. It took four attempts, including one which threw the lifeboat towards the rocks, but Mr Pusey managed to get the boat close enough to reach the pair. The men were transferred to the larger boat and both crews returned to shore.

The three men involved in this rescue have since been commended by the RNLI for their courage that evening.

The St David Awards annually recognise and celebrate the exceptional achievements of people in Wales. They acknowledge people who are making a real difference, either at home or abroad. They are great marks of distinction and the highest accolades that Welsh Government confers on citizens nationally.

The ceremony will be held on March 12.